We’re over halfway through 2022 (!?) which means it’s time for a tactical issue of Hear Hear: rounding up highlights from the mid-year “best-of” lists and sharing a few top-tier seasonal mixes to shuffle. Let’s dive right in. 🌞
Lisztomania!
To discover the songs and albums I’ve been missing, I explored mid-year lists from a few favorite music blogs // publications // newsletters: Small Albums, Gorilla vs. Bear, Paste Magazine, and What’s Good.
Here are a few picks I think you’ll enjoy — all in the Hear Hear playlist for your listening pleasure.
The sweet, jangly surf-rock of Say Sue Me. “Around You” is the instantly charming entry point for this excellent South Korean band who made Small Albums’ favorite record of the year so far, The Last Thing Left. Lovely instrumental opener “The Memory of the Time” evokes the widescreen melancholy of Explosions In The Sky’s Friday Night Lights score.
The twangy fuzz-rock of MJ Lenderman’s Boat Songs. Opening track “Hangover Game” sets the tone for this rollicking album of “alt-country vignettes and an immersive, fuzz-stacked sound,” as Pitchfork describes it.
A throwback, Van Morrison-style anthem from LA-based band Drugdealer. “Madison” instantly feels like it could’ve been on the Anchorman soundtrack with its warm retro keys and harmonies. If you dig it, the band’s 2019 album Raw Honey is full of similar tunes.
The brooding, building pop of Ethel Cain. Potentially “pop music’s next great obsession” according to What’s Good, Cain is a 24-year-old woman building a mysterious persona alongside layered synth-pop — with shades of The Weeknd, Caroline Polacheck, and Perfume Genius. Shimmering anthem “American Teenager” is the standout jam from her debut album, while “A House In Nebraska” is more representative of her overall slow-burn style.
The reliable vibes of Beach House. While I haven’t fallen in love with the entire 18-track album from this veteran duo, a few tunes have emerged as favorites that can slot alongside their greatest hits: “Superstar,” “The Bells,” and the titular track “Once Twice Melody.” (Which I didn’t love at first but has really grown on me.)
Playlists for poolside hangs & sunset drives
Roséwave: Summer Getaway. Per the NPR Music team, “roséwave is genre-agnostic, but prioritizes mixed-company, feel-good crowd pleasers.” The latest entry in their ongoing summer series delivers on that promise. (ft. Blondie, Beyoncé, Maggie Rogers, Harry Styles, SZA, Steely Dan)
Driving In Circles At Sunset. A wonderfully wistful mix from curator extraordinaire Hanif Abdurraqib. (ft. Youth Lagoon, Frank Ocean, Omar Apollo, The Cure, Stevie Wonder)
Summer (Or What It Sounds Like) Volume 13. A stellar 30-song mixtape of the latest and greatest sunny indie jams from emerging favorites. Compiled by Taylor Johnston, who always delivers top-notch seasonal playlists. (ft. Wet Leg, Soccer Mommy, Ducks Ltd, Dehd, MUNA, Wallows)
Forever Summer: Days and Nights. Two mixes to shuffle based on the time of day from curator Adam Sharp. Stream Days to soundtrack pool parties and BBQs with La Roux, Taylor Swift, and Silk Sonic; then use Nights for patio beers and fireflies with Dr. Dog, Whitney, Alabama Shakes, and Fruit Bats.
Air Conditioner Pop. Songs that pair well with blasting the AC, according to Fluxblog writer Matthew Perpetua. (ft. Little Dragon, Caribou, Tame Impala, PinkPantheress, Snoh Aalegra)
Mixes for the moment
If Stranger Things 4 got you into Kate Bush… check out this gateway compilation from Rostam, who cites Bush as a major influence. “Running Up That Hill” is in there, of course, alongside 12 other signature tracks.
If you want to wish Paul McCartney a belated happy 80th birthday… check out this Stereogum list of 80 artists picking their favorite Paul songs, featuring tributes from Ben Gibbard, Kurt Vile, Laura Stevenson, and Billy Joel himself.
Performance space
I learned about Usher’s Tiny Desk thanks to Hunter Harris’ excellent culture newsletter Hung Up, and the performance is unsurprisingly a treat to watch.
Meanwhile, Dehd’s album Blue Skies continues to be on heavy rotation, so I enjoyed hearing their live renditions on WXPN’s World Cafe.